Savannah wellness initiative showing mixed results

The city of Savannah recently celebrated the efforts of more than 140 employees who participated in Healthy Savannah’s 10-week LEAN Challenge.

The challenge is part of the city’s Wellness Program that provides incentives for exercising regularly, eating well and undergoing health screenings.

Among the participants recognized in a ceremony Saturday at Forsyth Park was finance department employee Michelle Strickland, who said she lost 100 pounds after adopting healthy eating habits and a regular exercise regime.

“I feel like a new person,” Strickland said.

Not everybody on the city’s payroll has the same enthusiasm for healthy living, and the wellness program is yielding mixed results.

Medical insurance costs are projected to rise about 7 percent next year to more than $26 million although poor employee health is not the sole cause. Drug costs, health plan changes and federal Affordable Health Care Act requirements also play a part, in addition to employee claims.

To cover the increase, the city’s taxpayer-funded contribution will go up by about $3.6 million to about $19.8 million next year. Insurance premiums paid by employees and retirees will also be increased.

Only about 4 percent of Savannah’s 2,600 employees, on average, are expected to participate each month in the city’s 3-year-old fitness program, according to the proposed 2014 budget. The program reimburses employees $20 a month toward gym membership fees.

The city is faring better with its attempt to have more employees get health screenings by offering $100 incentives, with about 55 percent of the workforce choosing to participate.

“We want to grow that number, certainly, but the number is growing in the right direction,” said Sean Brandon, management services bureau chief.

The city’s decision to use an exclusive health provider, St. Joseph’s/Candler, is helping to keep costs down. The arrangement allows for discounted services that keep medical costs relatively low, Brandon said. Medical costs per employee next year are expected to be 28 percent below the national average, as a result, he said.

The city plans to stay out of a medical reserve account in 2014, unlike past years.

After drawing $1.2 million in 2012 and a projected $2.3 million this year, about $3.2 million is left in the reserve fund, Brandon said. Ideally, they would like to have about $5 million or about three months’ worth, Brandon said.

“We didn’t want those reserves to drop any more,” he said.

The City Council is expected to approve the 2014 budget on Thursday.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Savannah City Council

WHEN: 2 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: City Hall, 2 E. Bay St.

ONLINE: Watch the meeting streamed live at savannahnow.com and follow reporter @EricCurlSMN on Twitter